RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill

Great selection of vegan and vegetarian options. I had the vegan ramen (excellent, added kimchi dumplings), a sweet potato bao bun (yum), and crispy tofu. The last two items are part of the happy hour menu, which is a great deal. The owner came out, spoke to me for a bit, and brought back an off-menu dish if yakitori trumpet mushrooms that were beautiful. This is definitely a new go-to for me!

This place was quite disappointing. If you’re looking for somewhat authentic Japanese food look elsewhere. The gyoza in the ramen tasted spoiled and bad. The CA pearl diver roll was drenched in sauce and the rice was cold and dry. The waiter also took away our chopsticks mid meal so there was literally no utensils to use when the roll got here for the next 10 minutes. Also they incentivize five star reviews with free dessert so I wouldn’t trust it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

We came by this place because of the positive reviews. However, the tuna felt like eating a plastic toy. Also, the nigiri rice was just a gross, gummy lump. The chicken thigh on the yakitori was DRY somehow. We were excited to eat here and ended up disappointed. I would not recommend. A place priced like that should have food that lives up to expectations.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Nice Japanese restaurant with a good selection of sushi and ramen. Service was amazing, restaurant was clean and had a decent atmosphere. The food was a bit basic but well done.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Atmosphere was great and food was pretty good! Couldn’t choose between ramen and sushi rolls but they had a combo where you could do both for 20$. Pretty good deal and pretty yummy as well

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I enjoyed the seaweed. Tasty in a lovely environment with nice service. Declined icecream

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a great time there. Gluten free Ramen.... First time I have gotten to have it in at least 30 years... Well since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. They were very nice folks working there. Service was great and food good. Good atmosphere...reminded me a little of when I lived in Japan.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was good, not loved it, it was not hot enough. Taste was ok, not flavored enough for my bucks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Sushi came out quick, and the presentation was stunning, great place to chill and hang out if your looking for vibey sushi place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rainbow Roll

We love ramen and sushi, by far this is the best spot with a very home feeling to it. Definitely recommend for anyone that loves sushi or ramen. The sushi is very fresh 10/10.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso

Not recommended. We were the third table seated, yet we still waited 40 minutes for our ramen combo, with no staff checking in on us during that time. This level of service is unacceptable. The high number of reviews is likely due to their offer of free ice cream in exchange for Google Maps or Yelp reviews.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

A lot of options that all look great. The things we did order were yummy and the service was fantastic. Cute Japanese place that has something for everyone.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, Awesome Customer Service, & A Great All In All

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped in for valentines dinner. Service was fast and friendly. Food was phenomenal: very unique flavors and great presentation. Highly recommend if you’re in hillcrest.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RAKITORI Japanese Pub & Grill is a cozy spot with great music and an amazing vibe. The spicy ramen and black ramen were delicious—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Our waiter was fantastic—funny, nice, and super attentive, making the experience even better. If you’re looking for great food, a warm atmosphere, and top-notch service, this is the place to go!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Tonkotsu, Black Tonkotsu Ramen